Home Improvement

Plumbing is one of the domestic aspects most likely to need the services of a professional. You will find numerous reasonably-priced and efficient plumbers in Andalucia; pricing is more economical than in many places, partly due to innovation and the variety of available fittings. If you are looking for a recommendation, administradores (property managers in managed communities) are often helpful people to ask, with many useful contacts. Alternatively, your home insurance provider or broker may have a list of plumbers or plumbing companies.

One of the most appealing things about the Andalucian lifestyle is the amount of time you spend outdoors, including the space around your own home. Longer, lighter days throughout the year and balmy summer nights when jackets and sweaters are unnecessary accessories are just some of the joys of living in this privileged part of the world.

Andalucia exports nearly 100 million euros in furniture every year - and this is only 14 per cent of the regions overall furniture production. Combine the region's prolific production with a burgeoning import market - especially in areas heavily populated by foreigners - and you can be sure to find everything you will need to furnish your home.

It is a widely known fact that floor polishing is an essential part of any property’s overall image. A well polished floor sends a positive message to all who visit, whilst making a vital contribution to the overall decor and interior design of a property.

You'll be spending at least 1/3 of the rest of your life in this part of Andalucia - your bedroom here, that is. Therefore, you might to like to take some very locally inspired design issues into consideration as well as giving this room a relaxing touch through the use of carefully selected Mediterranean colours and decorations. Finally, don't underestimate the importance of your bed.

If you are planning to move to or from Spain from another country, there are numerous companies ready and willing to pack you up and deliver you to your new doorstep. From other parts of Europe, your belongings can make the transcontinental trip in an industrial-sized lorry as either a full or partial load. From the United States, large moves are best made by contracting either a full or partial shipping container.

Swimming pools are a standard feature of life in southern Spain. It’s easier to find an apartment complex with a pool than without one. Most villas have their own pools and, in addition to pools, water features are common in both public and private gardens. And then there is the luxury of a jacuzzi, enjoyed by many homeowners.

Have you ever faced the pressure of throwing an important party and had things not go the way you had wished? If you can answer "yes" to the previous question, then you can appreciate just how reassuring having a professional caterer look after your needs can be.

The home, like the clothes we wear and the food we eat, is an intensely personal expression of our lives, experience and values. Although the home may be expressive of your own personal lifestyle, it is more often the combined result of several family members who all need to define their personality.

Nowadays we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we are placing on the natural resources of our planet. Since Andalucia has become increasingly popular as an area for a second residence, as well as a holiday destination for thousands of Northern and now also Eastern Europeans, the demand for water is especially high.

One of the great things about living or visiting Andalucia is the year round use of the swimming pool. If you are lucky enough to own your own pool, then you will either know of come to know that it is important to keep the water clean. Historically, treating the water with chemicals such as acid and chlorine has been the only way to keep the walls and floor of the pool algae free. The problem is that the chemicals are not only expensive, but also abrasive on the tiled surfaces, to say nothing of being a health hazard.

Most of us know that we should drink more water to stay healthy. In fact, the amount we drink forms part of any beauty or rejuvenation regime, keeping the body and skin fresh and vital. This is even more obvious in a hot climate. Remember that you should not wait until you are thirsty before drinking water. Thirst is the first sign that you are already dehydrating, often followed by a headache and tiredness.

Southern Spain may be known as a hot, dry region, but in fact it is an area with many subclimates and thus many types of vegetation – including a multitude of different trees.

Tools & Appliances for Hire in Andalucia. here is a list of specialist tool hire compnies in Malaga and on the Costa del Sol.

Many people are not aware just how beneficial swimming can be but the medical profession has always rated swimming very highly as a form of exercise, particularly for heart and lung fitness, joint suppleness and muscle power. The message is clear - swimming is good for you!

The craft of stonemasonry has existed for thousands of years but in many places, it has become replaced by more modern modes of construction like those of wood or brick. However, stonemasonry is anything but a lost art in Andalucia where there are a multitude of craftsmen that still excel at this fascinating and demanding trade.

With so many thousands of hours of sun per year, southern Spain is the ideal place to install solar energy panels. What's more, thanks to new government programmes that oblige the electricity company to buy any surplus energy you generate, this can be an ideal option for some.

In Andalucia stores specialising in such items as plasma televisions, videos, DVD players, home cinema systems are referred to as specialists in “electrónica”. In early 2014 the Free to Air Satellite channels (BBC, ITV, C4 etc and C5) all moved to the UK beam on the new Astra 2E satellite and this is no longer receivable on existing dishes in Southern Spain.

As part of the overall security strategy for your Andalusian home, you might consider using a safe deposit box of some kind. Some homes - particularly those in remote urbanisations - come with built-in safes. However, even if you already have a safe at your disposal, it is essential you have some basic knowledge about these products to avoid using them inappropriately.